What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

O plays the guitar.

I think she's got a future in music. What do you think?

Today, I hiked.

I hiked to Sunset Peak this morning.

I know, it's called Sunset Peak and you would think going in the evening to see the sunset would be the point. Well, I didn't care, I just wanted to clear my head and breathe some fresh, although dry (I've become accustomed to the humidity in San Antonio and I like it),

but fresh nonetheless.

The first lake and the halfway point of the hike.

(Of course I HAD to take the iPod)

This is my favorite picture from the hike.

Not bad for an amateur photographer.

I was grateful for my hiking boots. There were some points on the

trail where you were required to be part mountain goat.

I am a capricorn, but it doesn't help when hiking.

An unobstructed view from the summit. If you look really

closely you can see Mickey Mouse Rock.

A partial view from the summit.

(Note the lollipop in my mouth. That's my secret for keeping

my mouth moist. It comes in handy in this dry air.)

This was the best I could do at the summit with no one else to

hold the camera. Thank goodness for a timer.

Ahhhh, completion is one of my favorite feelings. Accomplishment is nice, but completion brings much more satisfaction for me. This hike/summit was worth every out of breath step I took (the altitude was killing me, 10,600), every stumble (I'm klutzy) and every swig of warm gatorade (it's a good thing I like it). Would I do it again? Most likely, but there are so many other trails waiting to be explored I'll take my time before I do.

Two are better than one

Rowan and Willow turned 9 this year. I can't believe they are already 9.

Their birthday is around the same time I met Leighton.

We've known each other for 9 years.

Crazy!

Here is a look at their cakes. They each made their own and I think they did a great job. What you can't see is that Willows frog cake was blue on the inside. Pretty clever if you ask me.

Here is the proud creator of the frog cake.

Here is the proud creator of the Transformers cake and the

cake making facilitator, Grandma Claudia.

What's a birthday without Nana?

Happy Birthday Rowan and Willow!

My Brother and his Bike

My brother took me for a ride and since I didn't have a

bike helmet, I wore my rock climbing helmet.

Pretty sheik huh?

He looks pretty tough, huh?

3rd of July!!!!

Fireworks are cool, but jumping teenagers (cousins) are

just as much fun.

More videos for LT

I confess, I'm not really blogging anymore, I'm just using this site to let LT see videos. I'm sure, in time, I will return to posting stories about life. Until then, here are some more videos honey.

Here O is showing me how she twirls with her "Princess Dress".

And last of all,she is showing me how she can run in her dress. Cher taught her to hold it up.

Goodnight Moon

A lot of people ask me if it is hard to keep in touch with LT since he is SO FAR away. My simple answer is, nope. We get to talk on the phone and when we can, we use Skype so O can "see" her daddy. Several months ago, LT send us a little DVD of himself reading a book for O. She was THRILLED to see him on TV. This video is her reaction, also you may be able to hear him in the background reading "Goodnight Moon".

LT this is for you. My favorite part is her hugging the TV.

O and her ice cream

One of the great things about having Olivia spending time with her aunts is, they SPOIL her. Here is a glimpse of what I'm talking about.

Can't you just see the delight in her eyes?

I can't believe she ate the whole thing.

One of the many reasons why I love girls camp

Late night sillies.

Another Brain Dump

Once again, I've had thoughts building up and they NEED to escape or I'll just DIE!!!!!

Although I want to buy a motorcycle, I'm not going to for a while.

Room temperature water doesn't bother me.

I actually like my soda close to room temp and flat.

I just started watching "Bionic Woman".

I'm not sure I want to watch another series with Katie Sackoff. She's great at playing the "bad girl", but she's so predictable. 

There are a lot of former BSG cast members in "Bionic Woman"

I liked that "Battlestar Galactica" was playing on the TV in the background during one of the first episodes of BW.

I FINALLY watched the season finales of "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol".

I LOVE that the people I voted for all season won.

I should buy a lottery ticket because I'm that good. 

My favorite part of Kris Allen winning AI was seeing him hug his wife at the very end. So sweet.

I'm going to visit LT in Djibouti in Dec.

I'm going with my dad.

He is fluent in french. 

We have a 36 hour layover in Paris.

I can't decide what to do with all of that time.

The last time I went to France was with my dad.

That was 15 years ago.

Wow, I can't believe I'm old enough to say "15 years ago" in a sentence.

Sometimes, I forget how old I am.

It doesn't bother me, until someone asks me how old I am. Then I'm a bit embarrassed I can't remember.

O is going to spend a lot of time with family this summer.

I think it will be a very good thing for her to get to know them better.

O taps her foot when she thinks.

O has the greatest personality.

I really with LT was here to enjoy her day to day funnies.

I think being separated from your spouse is the WORST thing in the world.

I HATE it.

At least we are half way done with the separation.

Since LT has been in the Navy, we have been apart over 50% of the time.

I'm going to see Wicked in August.

I'm REALLY excited to FINALLY see it.

It's possible we will end up in Monterey for LTs next assignment. 

I'm going to go to as many concerts as possible.

ALL of the people I want to see end up in SF at some point in their tours.

I want to do a lot of rock climbing when I'm in UT this summer.

I'm really good at taking care of our lawn. 

I've had too many sugar cookies in the past 3 weeks.

The last time I had a brain dump I talked about BSG and sugar cookies.

Dr. Pepper popsicles are my latest obsession.

Aveeno is my favorite lotion.

I love my new phone.

I've become a texting maniac.

I want the next phone I buy to be an iPhone.

I hope to find a "roommate" for the fall so I don't go crazy taking care of O all by myself.

I really need to buy a pretty watch.

I REALLY need to buy new shorts.

I'm in between sizes, so they are either baggy and falling off, or uncomfortably tight.

I really like exercising.

It's nice to be getting into shape again.

I hope I don't backslide this summer while I'm away from my gym.

Would anyone like to stay in my condo with me this summer while I'm in Sun Valley?

This is a really boring post. 

I see the strangest things at the gym.

There was an old, not just older, but VERY OLD guy working out next to me one day. I thought it would only be a matter of minutes before he would collapse and I would have to call 911. 

It affected my workout.

One of the trainers at the gym has a REALLY LOUD voice. 

I can always tell when she is with a client on the floor because I can hear her.

I went to her sculpting class once. It KICKED my bootie.

One time while I was on the treadmill a lady next to me kept cupping her chest while she was running. Once was no big deal, but she did it over and over again. 

Maybe she needed a new bra. 

I had to laugh under my breath while I was running. 

O is pigeon-toed. 

She looks funny when she runs.

Sometimes I have her "fetch" something just to see her run.

O is having a GREAT time with her grandparents. 

My meat hanging neighbors now have an elaborate network of string, plants and laundry spread all over their backyard. 

They even hang laundry in their garage.

I don't understand my neighbors.

It really bothers me that people don't park in their garage. If you have too much crap in your garage that you can't park a car, may I suggest, you have too much crap. 

Get rid of something. 

It's just stuff anyway.

The streets in our neighborhood are very narrow.

I hate it when people don't park in their driveway/garage and park on the street. There is no room to drive when cars are parked on the street.

I HATE it when people spit in public. 

I think it is one of the MOST disgusting things to see. 

It's unsanitary. 

Who knows what diseases are being passed on. 

Plus, I don't want to step in it.

There are some scents that should NEVER be used as bathroom air fresheners. 

They only make it worse. 

Public restrooms gross me out, but there are times when they simply can't be avoided.

I've only been to IKEA once.

The impressive thing is, I didn't buy anything.

I love the rain.

I love warm summer rain.

I prefer Amie Street over iTunes.

Are the ridiculous noises during an MRI really THAT necessary?

I can't believe I have an appointment for Botox next week.

I think migraines are miserable.

I wonder if they are part of a terrorist plot.

I'm looking forward to my road trip in a couple of weeks.

I've decided I'm not eating any more sugar cookies for the month of June.

I'm still excited to see Wicked. 

Although there is more to be dumped, this post is over.

More O videos for Daddy

I don't know where she gets her moves, but she ROCKS!!!

There is already a hole in my heart

I just hugged and said goodbye to my dearest and closest friend here in TX.

She is moving to NY. 

Many thanks to S & J for all of your love and laughter. You've left an imprint so large, your absence will be noticed for a long time. 

Need a job? Need an employee?

I received this email from one of my friends. She was instrumental in improving LTs work experience before he headed off to the Navy. I think she is an amazing person and I want to help her get the word out. 

"Hello friends and family,

I am proud to introduce you to Moving Forward Employment Solutions, Inc.  After nearly 11 years of working for other recruiting firms, I've decided to strike out on my own path. MFES will be offering a few different services:

1. Contingent Recruiting (think head-hunter for full time placements and also for contract and contract-to-hire positions)
2. Contract Recruiting (working for client company as a recruiter for their location specifically)
3. Career Counseling (resume writing; one-on-one support to help individuals determine what path to explore and how to get where they want to go)
4. Outplacement Services (these services are paid by companies that are laying off employees and want to help off-set the impact with a service to help write resumes, coaching on interview and networking skills)

I appreciate any referrals - do you know of anyone that can benefit from my expertise?  I’ve included my contact information for you to forward along to anyone you know that may be looking for work, or company managers that need help in identifying the right talent.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Jennifer Armitstead

O. 801-216-4043

M. 801-404-1504

jen@movingforwardsolutions.net

 

Guidance through employment changes..."

 

 

Surprise!!!

I'm going to buy a motorcycle!!!!!

Change is on the horizon.

Have you ever thought about something for years and never done anything about it? Have you ever felt it would take the right set of circumstances to bring you out of your thoughtful inactivity? Have you ever felt when the timing is right you will go forward?

I have and the time is now!

I'm frightened, cautious and excited. How can those feelings coexist?

Big changes are coming, finally.

Midnight Serenade

I was just about to fall asleep when I heard O in her bedroom. I went into our bathroom to hear what was going on, it shares a wall with her bedroom. I wasn't sure if she was talking in her sleep or if she was frightened. Well, it turns out, she was just singing. There isn't anything to see in this video, but if you turn the volume up, you can hear her singing. 

AT MIDNIGHT!!! 

SOOOO much better than Sea World

I don't have any scuba and snorkel pictures from my adventures on Tuesday, but I have plenty from my visit to paradise today. I have to say, the best thing I've done for this getaway has been to only schedule one thing to do in the morning and then let the afternoon take me where ever I go. Yesterday I had two great scuba dives and then I just explored Paradise Island and then downtown Nassau.

Today, I went to have my "Dolphin Encounter" on Blue Lagoon Island. When we arrived, there were dolphins swimming around in the bay by the dock. Most of the people stopped, ooohhhed, and ahhhhhed and took tons of pictures. I'm a seasoned Sea World veteran, so it was NO big deal to me. We get to stand around a pool there and feed the dolphins if we want to. The really cool part of the dolphin encounter was the actual encounter. Now, I know Sea World offers some sort of dolphin interaction program, but I can guarantee it is nothing like this. Goombay was our dolphin for the encounter. The first thing we did was pose for a picture of him kissing us on the cheek. We actually danced with him, hugged him, kissed him on the nose, put our hands in his mouth to touch his teeth and tongue, feed him a fish, and we got to pet his back and belly. It was SO COOL!!!  After the experience ended we were free to roam around the beach until the last ferry boat came to take everyone off the island, with the exception of the dolphins and the security guys.  I took full advantage of the opportunity to explore, touch and snorkel. I'm beginning to really understand the meaning of the word "Paradise". 

I have to admit, although this is a long needed break, and I LOVE the adventure of being here all by myself, I find myself missing LT even more. Life experiences are meant to be shared. I wish I could have held his hand while we strolled on the beach, or freaked out together at seeing all of the amazing fish while we snorkeled. Right now I'm sitting on the patio, the lazy breeze is dancing with my hair and I'm listening to the waves lap at the shore. The moon is almost full and it's casting a brilliant light on the water. I want to sleep out here tonight. 

Sigh!!!

It's so beautiful, I wish LT were here to see it too. 

Well, on with the post. Here are the pictures from today. Enjoy.

The dock

The beach, view from the boat.

Goombay reaching for a fish.

Goombay hugging me. Dolphins are heavy suckers. 

Check out the little kid next to me. He wasn't sure what to make of the entire thing.

Kissie, kissie, little sea urchin 

I swear I've seen this postcard somewhere.

My hammock

Top view from my hammock

Beach view from my hammock

The beach

Cottage Sweet Cottage

Just incase you weren't jealous already, here are some pictures of where I'm staying here in Nassau.

Here is the live band at the airport.

This is the little path that leads from my patio to the beach.

Here is my patio

Here is another view.

And, YES, James Bond is my neighbor.

Just for Daddy

Friday Night

O and I decided to break out the froggy pool and have a picnic on the porch. The pile of her clothes on the floor was evidence of her enthusiasm.  As soon as I mentioned water, she stripped and grabbed her swimming suit. I'm hoping this is something that will change with age. I can only imagine the trouble she'll get into as a teenager if she strips at the mention of water. 

Thanks Grammy for the froggy pool. 

Enjoy

"You have to take a big breath to blow this up".

O showing me how it's done.

I've finally trained O to smile on command. She does it, most of the time.

Testing the pool before the water goes it.

Enjoying our picnic on the patio

My daredevil daughter

O showing off her skills with a swing.

Patty Griffin

I promise going to concerts isn't the ONLY thing I do, it's just one of my FAVORITE things to do. Plus, I live in such a great area for the music I like, I'd be stupid not to take advantage of it.

One of my favorite Patty Griffin songs is "Heavenly Day". Here is the video from her concert last Tuesday. Thanks again to JR for taking care of O so I could go.

Enjoy.

The rest of the videos I recorded are on my youtube channel.

Smokin' Banana Peels

This is for Nikki. She just received a new ipod and couldn't resist tagging me in her post.

Nikkers, this is fer y00.

RULES:
1. Put your iTunes, iPod, MP3 Player, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.


HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Sweet Dreams (Techno Remix) ... Eurythmics

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Times Like These (Acousitc) ... Foo Fighters

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Harder to Breathe...Maroon 5

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Ungayoni into Enhle (Destroy Not This Beauty)...Ladysmith Black Mambazo

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
3 x 5...John Mayer

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Track 9...Janas mix CD, Pondering a good life. 

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
On the wings of a dream... John Denver

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Today...Joshua Raidin

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Come Follow Me...Kenneth Cope

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Whatever it is... Ben Lee

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Oh L'amour... Erasure

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
2 am... Slightly Stoopid

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Always You... Sophie Zelimani

WHAT WILL/DID YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Flicks... Frou frou

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Troubled Mind... Catie Curtis

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Don't tell her... Lori McKenna

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Can't go back now... The Weepies

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Comfort Ye, My People, Saith Your God... Handel

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Wonderland... Psychedelic Waltons/ Roisin Murphy

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
How... Lisa Loeb

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
wanna be... Nine Days

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Without You... The Waifs

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Life is Beautiful... Vega4

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Black Stallion... George Winston

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Moses... Missy Higgins

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Wishing you were somehow here again... Sarah Brightman

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Money made you mean... Indigo Girls

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
August End... Jon Schmidt

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Even Angels Fall... Jessica Riddle

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Smokin' Banana Peels... dead milkmen

Early Morning Surprise

Saturday morning I found this at the side of my bed. I don't know why anyone would choose the floor over a bed, but then again there isn't much a 2-year-old does that makes sense.

Name That Ride!!

Hint, it's at Fiesta Texas. (Sorry the audio is so bad. For some reason, there were a lot of people screaming, rude.)

Correction

The past 4 years LT and I have only been together for 1 of our anniversaries.

Anniversaries

For the past 4 years LT and I have only been together for 3 of our anniversaries. 

In 2006, he was on a ship and I was becoming scuba certified in Thailand. I know that sounds like quite a hardship, but at the time, and considering the circumstances, it wasn't easy being apart. 

In 2007, the one year he was in town, he was in charge of a ridiculous retirement party for a reservist. He was required to attend a dinner the night of our anniversary . The Navy, or maybe just his command, had activities called "Mandatory Fun" and more often than not, they were just an annoyance. He was sweet enough to bring home a little something for me from the dinner. I was touched he thought of me and I was excited to see what he brought. I admit, I was disappointed, okay, shocked by what was in the container. I affectionately refer to it as the "anniversary autopsy dinner". It was a stuffed green pepper that had been battered and fried. I didn't know it was a green pepper, until I carefully removed the superficial layers and found it. It looked like a heart. A funny thing about that is, LT didn't even know what he'd ordered. He said it just sounded cool and he was told it was good.

In 2008, he was on a submarine. When he is on a sub, we usually get to email back and forth, but for some strange reason, this captain wouldn't let anyone send email. So, I emailed him, but he couldn't respond. 

So, here we are, in 2009. He is there, I am here and this is a familiar situation. We've considered the possibility of me visiting him in Djibouti, but the cost of flying me there is the equivalent of tuition at a junior college. We decided against it. I did, however, find a far more affordable "vacation", for me. I mentioned it to him and he told me to go for it. Isn't he GREAT?

Now, you get to guess where I'm going. A friend of mine was kind enough to let me borrow some of her pictures. 

Any guesses?